Are you tired of your hair always growing out instead of down? Do you struggle with frizzy, unruly hair that just won’t cooperate no matter what products or styling techniques you try? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Hair that grows downward into a sleek, smooth look rather than outward in a voluminous or frizzy manner is a common goal for many individuals. Whether you’re dealing with curly, wavy, or even straight hair that tends to poof out, various techniques and products can help you achieve the desired look. Understanding your hair type, utilizing the right hair care routine, and employing specific styling methods are key to directing hair growth downwards.

This guide will walk you through practical steps and tips on how to get hair to grow down instead of out and maintain a more controlled, streamlined appearance.
What Will You Need?
Before you begin, ensure you have the tools and products to achieve your desired look. Here’s a list of items that will help in managing hair growth:
- Quality shampoo and conditioner for your specific hair type
- A wide-tooth comb or detangling brush
- Hair serum or oil for smoothing and controlling frizz
- Heat protectant spray
- Hair straightener or flat iron
- Round brush for blow-drying if desired
Once you have all the necessary tools, it’s time to start!
10 Easy Steps on How to Get Hair to Grow Down Instead of Out
Step 1. Wash and Condition Your Hair
Using a quality shampoo and conditioner tailored to your hair type is the foundational step in achieving hair that grows smoothly. Choose products designed to hydrate and smooth the hair, as these will help minimize frizz and encourage a sleeker look. When washing your hair, focus on massaging the shampoo into your scalp to remove any buildup, and ensure you rinse thoroughly. Following up with a conditioner is crucial, especially on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate and nourish the hair strands before rinsing it out with cool water. Cool water helps to seal the hair cuticle, which can further reduce frizz and enhance shine.
Step 2: Gently Detangle Your Hair
After washing and conditioning, gently detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush. Start from the end and work your way up to prevent breakage and reduce damage. This process is essential to prevent your hair from tangling and poofing out as it dries. If your hair is particularly prone to tangles, consider applying a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray to make this step more manageable and more effective.

Step 3: Apply a Smoothing Serum or Oil
While your hair is still damp, apply a light smoothing serum or oil to help control frizz and add shine. Focus on the mid-lengths to the ends where frizz is most likely to occur. Be careful not to apply too much product at the roots to avoid weighing your hair down or making it appear greasy. A good serum or oil can significantly affect how your hair dries, guiding it to lay flatter and smoother.
Step 4: Use Heat Protectant
Before using any heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from potential damage. Heat protectants form a barrier that helps to reduce moisture loss and protect against the high temperatures of styling tools. This step is vital in maintaining the health and integrity of your hair while also aiding in achieving a smoother result.
Step 5: Blow-dry with a Round Brush
For those who prefer blow-drying, using a round brush can help direct hair downwards, add volume at the roots, and smooth out the lengths. Use a medium heat setting and angle the nozzle down the hair shaft to prevent frizz. Gently pull each section of hair taut with the round brush as you dry, which helps create a sleeker finish.
Step 6: Straighten with a Flat Iron
Once your hair is parched, you can use a flat iron to smooth further and straighten it, ensuring it grows down instead of out. Set the flat iron to a suitable temperature for your hair type to avoid damage. Section your hair into small, manageable parts, and run the flat iron from roots to ends, ensuring each pass is smooth and controlled. Remember not to linger too long on any section to prevent heat damage. This step is particularly effective for those with wavy or curly hair who are looking for a sleeker, more streamlined appearance.

Step 7: Cool Down and Set Your Style
After using the flat iron, it’s important to let your hair cool down completely. This helps to set the style and ensures your hair retains the smooth, downward direction. You can use a blast of cool air from your blow-dryer or simply allow your hair to air dry for a few minutes. This cooling step helps to seal the cuticle and lock in the sleek look you’ve created.
Step 8: Apply a Finishing Product
To maintain smooth, downward-growing hair throughout the day, apply a finishing product such as a light-hold hairspray or an anti-frizz spray. Lightly mist the product over your hair, focusing on areas prone to frizz or flyaways. Avoid heavy styling products as they can weigh down your hair and reverse the smooth texture you’ve achieved.
Step 9: Regular Trims
Regular trims are essential for keeping hair healthy and promoting downward growth. Split ends and damaged hair can cause hair to puff out, so aim to trim your hair every 6 to 8 weeks. Regular trims will also help maintain the shape of your hairstyle and prevent unwanted frizz.
Step 10: Night Time Care
Proper nighttime care is crucial to maintaining smooth hair. Consider using a silk or satin pillowcase, which reduces friction and helps keep your hair sleek. You can also loosely braid your hair or wrap it in a silk scarf to protect it while you sleep. This routine ensures your hair remains smooth and directed downwards, even overnight.
By following these 10 easy steps, you can achieve hair that grows down instead of out. Remember to choose the right products for your hair type, use heat protectants, and always handle your hair gently.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Regular Trimming: Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and encourage healthy growth downward.
- Avoid Over-Washing: Washing your hair too frequently can strip natural oils, causing it to puff out. Try to wash your hair 2-3 times a week to maintain its natural texture.
- Blow-Dry Technique: When blow-drying, use a round brush and angle the nozzle downward. This will help direct the hair straight down and prevent it from growing outwards.
- Sleep with a Silk Scarf: Wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf before bed can reduce friction and keep hair smooth and in place, promoting straight growth.
- Check Your Products: Check the ingredients in your hair products. Avoid using ones with harsh chemicals, which can damage and dry out your hair, causing it to frizz and grow outwards.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s hair is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Using Excessive Heat: Overuse of heat styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can cause significant damage to your hair. This can lead to dryness, breakage, and frizz, making your hair more likely to puff out rather than lay flat.
- Skipping Conditioner: Conditioner is essential for maintaining healthy, smooth hair. Skipping this step can leave your hair dry and prone to tangling and frizziness, causing it to stick out rather than flow downward.
- Brushing Wet Hair Aggressively: Wet hair is more fragile and susceptible to breakage. Brushing it too aggressively can lead to split ends and frizz. Always use a wide-toothed comb and detangle gently from the ends up to the roots.
- Tight Hairstyles: Frequently wearing your hair in tight hairstyles, like ponytails or buns, can cause tension and breakage along the hair shaft. This can result in uneven hair growth and contribute to hair sticking out in different directions.
- Using Products with Alcohol: Many styling products contain alcohol, which can dry out your hair and make it more brittle. Avoid products with high alcohol content, as they can exacerbate frizz and prevent your hair from growing smoothly downward.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can better manage your hair’s health and encourage it to grow more downward.
Conclusion
How to get hair to grow down instead of out involves a combination of proper hair care techniques, consistent maintenance, and avoiding common pitfalls that contribute to frizz and puffiness.
By integrating a thoughtful blow-dry technique, regular use of conditioners and heat protectants, and gentle styling practices, you can encourage your hair to lay flat and smooth. Additionally, embracing routines such as wrapping your hair in silk scarves at night, opting for gentler hair ties, and scheduling regular trims can ensure your hair remains healthy and directed downward.
By understanding your hair type and needs and making mindful choices about the products and methods you use, you can cultivate hair that flows smoothly and beautifully downward.
You can also check it out to Use Milk Shake Leave in Conditioner
About the Author
Jane Hubbard is a passionate beauty expert with a wealth of experience in makeup, hair, and overall beauty techniques. After years of working as a hairdresser specialist, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit and started her own consultancy business.
Jane has always been driven by her desire to help others feel confident in their own skin, and she does this by sharing her knowledge, experiences, and practical beauty tips. Through her consultancy, she empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty, offering tailored guidance that boosts both self-esteem and personal style.
Professional Focus
- Specializes in makeup, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Provides personalized beauty advice, tips, and techniques to help individuals feel confident in their appearance.
- Dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments.
- Passionate about creating a comfortable and empowering experience for every client.
Education History
- University of Craft and Design – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Woodworking and Furniture Design
- Woodworking Apprenticeships – Extensive hands-on training with skilled craftsmen to refine carpentry and furniture making techniques
- Online Courses & Masterclasses – Continued education in advanced woodworking techniques, design principles, and specialized tools
Expertise:
- Makeup artistry, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Personalized beauty techniques to enhance confidence and self-expression.
- Educating clients on how to maintain their beauty routines at home.